101 goals in 1001 days | Phoenix Wedding Photographer Julie Branyan

Category Archives: 101 goals in 1001 days

Photograph a Bridal Session | 101 Goals in 1001 Days

July 15, 2010 posted in 101 goals in 1001 days, Personal

I know you probably hate it when I only post one image, but this time there is a reason. I met Erin at a Bridal show in February, she is a photographer and was looking for someone to photograph her bridal portraits. Of course I jumped on the opportunity and was so honored she would ask. It was on my goal list and I was glad I had someone so awesome to photograph. I can’t share the images yet, since her wedding is this Saturday (I don’t want to give away the surprise). We photographed this session back in April so I’ve been waiting a long time to share. I wish I could be there to photograph her wedding, but I will be with another lovely couple. I wish them all the best. There will be a lot more to come this weekend!!

Visit My Friend in Japan | 101 Goals in 1001 Days

June 4, 2010 posted in 101 goals in 1001 days

This was one goal on the list I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to accomplish. I’m so happy I did. When I was trying to go to Japan some wise person told me, “you regret what you don’t do.” I know I would have regretted not visiting my friend Jason in Japan. Jason and I have know each other for 3 years. We met while working in Hartford, CT. From the moment I met Jason he talked about his love of Japan. He loved the people, the culture, and beauty. We both struggled working an 8-5 job when we graduated from college. We had that feeling of being trapped and not doing what we loved. Jason longed to be in Japan. After being in Hartford the company relocated him to Philadelphia (his home town). He still wasn’t entirely happy. I remember getting the call where he talked about applying for a teaching job in Japan. At the time he was unsure if he would get it, but I remember just hoping and praying that he would. I was so HAPPY when he did. I knew my best friend would finally be HAPPY and I was so proud of him. He gave up a good paying job to pursue his dream.

I’ve always looked up to Jason for taking that risk. His courage never ceases to amaze me. The time he has spent in Japan has not been easy, but I’ve never seen him happier. When we were in the middle of a beautiful garden I would look over and see Jason soaking up every minute. He was at peace. I’m happy to say he met the sweetest girl name Maki. I think Maki is AMAZING. She speaks little english and I speak little Japanese, but we had the best conversations teaching each other about our culture. I hope they get married one day (hire me as their photographer) and have cute Japanese babies (I might try to steal one). I think the world of them both and I’m so happy I got to spend two weeks with them.

All the photos below were taken by Maki and Jason. I’m horrible at taking photos of myself. I’m glad they were there to capture these. I will be posting more of my personal photos soon.

Jason and I in a beautiful garden in Kyoto (camera in hand!)

Jason and I reading my fortune. I’m happy to say it was pretty good.

Yum.. soup. I look slightly crazy, but that is ok.

It rained one day so I resorted to the umbrella shooting technique.

Maki and I enjoying amazing crepes!

I forgot to mention Jason’s cousin Neil was also there. This was after eating something that was cherry blossom flavored. yum.

Fire, Earth, Wind, Water. Yes, this is a Captain Planet reference.

Maki and I lighting incense in Kyoto

The point of this photo shows my love for starbucks even all the way from Japan.

I love this photo. It just makes me laugh.

Playing drums with chopsticks. This is really how goofy I am.

Develop a Wedding/Portrait Pricing Guide | 101 Goals in 1001 Days

June 3, 2010 posted in 101 goals in 1001 days

I’m so happy that my wedding and portrait pricing guides are complete. Michelle (a girl named Fred, graphic designer, she basically rocks!) worked so hard on these and was super patient with how slow I was getting everything together. I’m excited to finally share them and to see my business grow. Click on the photos below to see them in all the greatness!

Wedding Guide

Portrait Guide

New Business Cards | 101 Goals in 1001 Days

May 25, 2010 posted in 101 goals in 1001 days

I’m super behind blogging 101 Goals in 1001 Days. Since January I’ve accomplished 10 goals (two behind where I should be) and over the next two weeks I’m going to catch up!! The majority of the 10 goals (specifically this one), I accomplished with the help of my amazing graphic designer, Michelle, aka a Girl named Fred. I love working with her more and more everyday. She’s changed the face of my business and it’s the best investment I’ve made. While I could have done a terrible design job myself, I realize the value of hiring a professional. Michelle has a great love and passion for her work.

Here are the fabulous business cards she created. There are more amazing things she designed that will be coming up!

This photo doesn’t show how lovely they are! Wait till you see them in person.

WPPI | 101 Goals in 1001 Days

March 18, 2010 posted in 101 goals in 1001 days, Personal

Well I consider myself to be an honest person. I’m always a little too honest. Ask my husband about the time I blurted out the story about “my family thinking my mom was re-incarnated into a bunny” in front of complete strangers! He didn’t want to talk to me for a week after that.

I want to be honest, especially too my readers. I think there are so many people who are afraid of sharing their true feelings. I am not that person. Truth is WPPI for me was very overwhelming and fell short of my expectations. I admit part of it was the Food Poisoning (I do not suggest getting this ever!) and part of it is I’m overwhelmed by large groups. I absolutely hate knowing next to no one and being surrounded by masses of people. I consider myself to be somewhat outgoing, somewhat shy, and somewhat just my crazy self. I’ve always been that person who so desperately wants to be the nice normal person. Part of me wants to blame my fear of groups on the kids in high school who thought I was a dork. I was the girl who had no idea you were supposed to pluck your eyebrows! Good thing I found a friend who taught me the importance of makeup and plucking your eyebrows. April, Thanks for teaching me how to be a better girl.

I’ve been thinking over the last week why I feel this way. I attended some amazing classes and had wonderful roommates, but I still feel a little bleh. Were my expectations too high? Did I not put myself out there enough? Did I revert to my introverted quiet self? The answers are Yes, Yes and Yes. The real question is How am I going to change this for next year? First, Don’t eat at La Salsa. Ever! Next, get out of my comfort zone, go out on my own and talk to people. I know there are people just like me with feelings, dreams and hopes like mine who won’t put me down for no reason. I need to stop being so afraid. I am who I am, quirks and all. Next, go to a proper workshop held by a photographer I admire. I need to save for the cost now so I have no excuses next year. Finally, I’m going to make some me time. Time to just do nothing but read, write, edit and rest.

There are all the thoughts that have been hanging in my head for the last week. Just because here are some goofy photobooth photos of me and my roommates from a party we went to. (Jessica Limeberry, Hilary Mercer, and Courtney Reece) They are all wonderful awesome people and photographers. I can’t wait to see them again next year or hopefully sooner!